El Cerrito holds a day for the planet

Student and adult volunteers work in the El Cerrito High School community garden planting trees during the city's Earth Day event on April 26.

Chris Treadway/staff

Student and adult volunteers work in the El Cerrito High School community garden planting trees during the city's Earth Day event on April 26. In addition to planting, volunteers at the campus removed invasive plants and a tree -- with a treehouse -- that had fallen over onto the site. About 300 people took part at 27 work parties around the city planting, removing trash and invasive plants and tending public areas. Groups working on San Pablo Avenue focused on removing cigarette butts, collecting more than 4,000 before they could enter the storm drain system and pollute waterways and the Bay. The event ended with an appreciation lunch at the Community Center. -- Staff report